Mennonite Studies

Mennonites in Canada and around the world represent a fascinating diversity of religious expression and cultural practice. Exploring the past and present lives and thought of Mennonites, in all their variety, allows a glimpse into the place of ethnic and religious minorities in our society. Increase your knowledge of Mennonite history, theology, and culture through a plan of study at Conrad Grebel University College at the University of Waterloo.

Mennonite Studies is an interdisciplinary program of study which may be taken in conjunction with many existing programs in Faculty of Arts and other faculties.  This program is designed to provide an overview of Anabaptist-Mennonite history, culture, thought and practice from the early 16th century to the present.
 

Current academic plans:

Mennonite Studies Minor

Students enrolled in any degree program may pursue a minor designation in Mennonite Studies.

Graduates with a Mennonite Studies Minor will:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the history of Anabaptist-Mennonite origins within 16th century European religious reformations.
2. Articulate the basic religious beliefs of Anabaptist-Mennonites.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of Mennonites from a variety of disciplinary, contextual, and experiential perspectives.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the diverse groups of Mennonites globally and locally.
5. Articulate the present-day role of Mennonites in the organizational and institutional life of Waterloo Region.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the place of ethnic and religious minorities in Canada and their contribution to the creation of multicultural identities.
7. Show basic competency in working with primary source material.
8. Demonstrate understanding of the role of archives in Mennonite studies research.
9. have experienced local Mennonite culture and religion through field trips and volunteer activity.
10. Demonstrate critical research and writing skills.
     

The Mennonite Studies Minor requires successful completion of a minimum of four academic course units (eight courses) with a minimum cumulative average of 65%, including:

*(previously ARTS 125)

and four of:

Notes:

1. A student may petition to Mennonite Studies to substitute one of the optional courses with an alternate course in which the student has done substantial coursework on Mennonites.
2. With consent from the Mennonite Studies director and the faculty  member supervising the directed study, a student may substitute one of the optional courses with a directed study.
    

For a list of current and future course offerings visit our site here.

Further information

Contact Marlene Epp, Director of Mennonite Studies: mgepp@uwaterloo.ca

There are two awards available in the Mennonite Studies program: the Karin Packull Anabaptist Studies Award and the J. William and Sarah Dyck Award for Russian Mennonite Studies.

See the research resources in Mennonite Studies provided by the Library and Archives.

Learn more about the Mennonites from the Institute of Anabaptist and Mennonite Studies web page.